Everything you ever wanted to know about the lost art of pinch running, past, present, and future.

With the help of Mat Kovach and Retrosheet, pinch running statistics in the last 50 years have now been compiled, along with leaderboards for seasons, lifetime, and most times removed, along with team and manager statistics. (E-mail me if you want this.) In compiling all this information, a few things jump out from the statistics, and so here are the highlights of pinch running statistics.

The Astros bullpen has propelled an otherwise mediocre team to first place. Matt Ford has made an impact for the Brewers. The A's continue to shop for a bat. These and other news and notes out of Houston, Milwaukee, and Oakland in today's Prospectus Triple Play.

Having resolved that pesky AL West issue, one of the most interesting races left is in Milwaukee. Brewers shortstop Jose Hernandez is fighting inconsistent playing time and a fickle manager to set the all-time strikeout record; as of today, he's stuck on 188, just one shy of Bobby Bonds' major-league season record.

Just over two weeks ago, Brian Hunter's arbitration case was
heard. The Seattle Mariners offered him $1.75 million, while the player
countered with a figure of $2.45 million. To the surprise of many, Hunter
won the case, and will make the higher figure in 2000.

Well, that's just the kind of thing that pricks up our ears. See, Hunter
isn't just another mediocre player. He was probably the worst regular in
baseball last year, and...well, we'll let Clay Davenport tell the story.
(For more on his methods, go
here.)